I’M PREGNANT…NOW WHAT?

You will have eight months to freak out over the details surrounding how you plan on taking care of your new tiny human. None of these things are particularly critical in the beginning. The things I’ve listed below, however, ARE. If you’re planning on carrying that kid to term, get these three taken care of ASAP:

1. Find out everything you can about your work’s maternity leave policyand how it overlaps with the state’s short term disability policy and/or family leave policy and the FMLA policy. The earlier you do this, the better. Even if you don’t have your leave dates planned out, you absolutely need to know your rights in your workplace and where (AND WHEN) your money (if any) will be coming from. You don’t want to get caught in a 2 week period where you have no income and a newborn on your hands…ask me how I know.

2. Find an obstetrician or a midwife. Know that you have birthing options outside of a hospital. No matter what you decide is best for you and your family (be it birthing center, a hospital, or your living room), find a person you like and trust and get with him/her. Also of note, if you start to run into issues with your appointed caregiver, you can always find a new one.

3. SAVE MONEY. If you want to avoid my the situation I laid out in item #1, start socking away a few dollars a week. You have the benefit of time on your side. Use it!